NCSL International
Encyclopedia
NCSL International is a global, non-profit organization
whose membership is open to any organization with an interest in metrology
(the science of measurement
) and its application in research, development, education, and commerce.
, Harvey Lance presented a paper titled “The Nation’s Electronic Standards Program: Where Do We Stand?” suggesting the need for an organization of standards laboratories to promote cooperative efforts for solving the common problems faced by measurement and testing laboratories. The next morning a committee was formed to “investigate the possible organization, scope, and objectives appropriate for an organization of standards laboratories”. September 15, 1961, the National Conference of Standards Laboratories (NCSL) was formally established with NBS as its sponsor. Primarily due to the growth and acquired ability of NCSL to run its own affairs, NBS (currently known as the National Institute of Standards and Technology
or NIST) ended its sponsorship role in July 1986. The two agencies maintain a close and collaborative relationship.
During the 1960s and early 1970s the Cold War
climate caused a dilemma for NCSL which included many US aerospace
and military
facilities amongst its membership. There was concern over complying with US State Department
regulations relating to technology transfer and discussion while allowing non-US entities to participate. NCSL considered national security a serious enough issue to warrant US-only membership. In 1974, however, the board of directors
decided the substantial advantages of an open international membership outweighed the security considerations and NCSL enrollment was opened to non-US organizations. In 1975, Graham Cameron from the Canadian Department of National Defence
became the first non-US delegate to serve on the board. In 1976 the first International Region was established. By 1996 non-US organizations comprised roughly 15% of the total membership. In the year 2000, NCSL began the process of formally changing its name to NCSL International to better represent its membership.
is a four day event held in late July/early August in a variety of locations. Papers are presented by speakers during technical sessions occurring throughout the conference. A Best Paper Award is given to the highest scoring presentation in several categories associated with the theme for that year. The Dr. Allen V Astin Award is presented to the overall best paper. Speakers share a wide range of knowledge from topics including:
An exhibit hall is open at the conference with over one hundred companies showcasing a variety of goods and services including calibration hardware and software, management tools, education and training organizations, calibration labs and accreditation services. Tutorials are offered two days before the start of the conference and one day following. Beyond technical information, the conference allows the opportunity to network with people who share common interests and numerous meetings are held by the board of directors and committees.http://www.ncsli.org/conference/2009/
Committee participation enables members to confer with colleagues with common interests, similar challenges and solution strategies specific to their industry. Each committee is open to all members to volunteer, share ideas and work on projects. Some committees concentrate on the inner workings and business of NCSL International itself. This would include publication oversight, conference planning and site selection, by-laws and guidelines. Other committees were established for discipline-specific, special interest or industry groups. Under measurement science and technology, committees range in focus from automatic test and calibration systems to chemical and dimensional metrology
; from deadweight pressure gauges
to the triple point
of argon. Industrial programs features committees for healthcare, airline, automotive, and small business metrology. Documentary standards encompass calibration systems, laboratory facilities, measurement decision risk, and accreditation resources. A total of sixty-two committees (in 2006), composed solely of volunteers, endeavor to advance the work of NCSL International. It is from the effort of these committees that all NCSL International published standards originate.http://www.ncsli.org/organization/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.dsp_positions&participation_Description=R2
(BIPM) and NCSLI experience a cooperative relationship. Andrew Wallard, the Director of BIPM, is a member of the NCSLI board of directors. The BIPM website for World Metrology Day is sponsored by NCSLI. Other organizations NCSLI liaisons with include:
A search of the US Department of Labor
Standard Occupational Classification System
(SOC) will result in few references to metrology. Although it does contain a listing for 'metrologist', this has been deemed grossly inadequate by those employed in the profession. The SOC is the basis for the Occupational Outlook Handbook
, a publication of the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics
, accepted as a reference for guidance counselors, job seekers and those planning a career path. In a joint effort between ASQ-MQD and NCSLI a survey was conducted to generate job titles with descriptions within the field of metrology. The titles proposed are, in general order of hierarchy: Calibration Technician, Calibration Engineer, and Metrologist. Application has been filed to include this data in the SOC update of 2010. The aim is to increase awareness amongst new talent that may be interested in joining the metrological profession.
To further the goal of encouraging interest in metrology as a career, NCSL International supports scholarships to institutions and individuals. The general scholarship program awards money to accredited schools
that offer metrology education. NCSLI is also an institutional sponsor, along with ASQ-MQD and the Measurement Science Conference, of the Joe D Simmons Memorial Scholarship given to individuals with a strong academic record and an interest in measurement science. NCSLI also supplies outreach materials such as measurement kits and posters for teachers and students.
To help in its outreach efforts NCSLI applied for and received inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign
(CFC). This allows US federal government employees to pledge a portion of income, deducted directly from their paycheck, to NCSL International. Monies collected through this program are specifically designated to further the outreach and scholarship efforts of the learning and development objectives of NCSLI.
training aids library covering both technical and managerial topics. The annual conference offers technical sessions covering up-to-date information as well as more detailed half or full day tutorials. Available more locally, region/section meetings feature speakers and Regional Training Events provide both classroom and hands on learning. Further, NCSLI supports management and human resource departments by clarifying job descriptions and career paths, providing information on appropriate certifications and qualifications and by awarding continuing education unit
s or CEU's for attending and completing many of the development opportunities offered.
19315775) is a scientific and technical journal published quarterly by NSCL International. Measure is written primarily for metrology professionals in calibrations laboratories, such as lab managers, engineers and technicians. Issues are composed of peer-reviewed technical articles and up-to-date information on calibration techniques, uncertainty analysis, measurement standards, quality processes and laboratory accreditation.
NCSL International also publishes Metrologist, NCSLI Worldwide News (ISSN 19402988) to provide news and information about the organization and its members. Metrologist is a glossy quarterly containing reports and updates from committees, regions and the board of directors, and featuring member news and trade information. The first Newsletter was printed June 1, 1962 and contained six pages. The Newsletter increased in content and became the primary communication tool of NCSL until 2007 when it was discontinued. Metrologist was designed as a sophisticated maturation of the NCSL Newsletter.
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
whose membership is open to any organization with an interest in metrology
Metrology
Metrology is the science of measurement. Metrology includes all theoretical and practical aspects of measurement. The word comes from Greek μέτρον , "measure" + "λόγος" , amongst others meaning "speech, oration, discourse, quote, study, calculation, reason"...
(the science of measurement
Measurement
Measurement is the process or the result of determining the ratio of a physical quantity, such as a length, time, temperature etc., to a unit of measurement, such as the metre, second or degree Celsius...
) and its application in research, development, education, and commerce.
History
On June 22, 1960, at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) in Boulder, ColoradoBoulder, Colorado
Boulder is the county seat and most populous city of Boulder County and the 11th most populous city in the U.S. state of Colorado. Boulder is located at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of...
, Harvey Lance presented a paper titled “The Nation’s Electronic Standards Program: Where Do We Stand?” suggesting the need for an organization of standards laboratories to promote cooperative efforts for solving the common problems faced by measurement and testing laboratories. The next morning a committee was formed to “investigate the possible organization, scope, and objectives appropriate for an organization of standards laboratories”. September 15, 1961, the National Conference of Standards Laboratories (NCSL) was formally established with NBS as its sponsor. Primarily due to the growth and acquired ability of NCSL to run its own affairs, NBS (currently known as the National Institute of Standards and Technology
National Institute of Standards and Technology
The National Institute of Standards and Technology , known between 1901 and 1988 as the National Bureau of Standards , is a measurement standards laboratory, otherwise known as a National Metrological Institute , which is a non-regulatory agency of the United States Department of Commerce...
or NIST) ended its sponsorship role in July 1986. The two agencies maintain a close and collaborative relationship.
During the 1960s and early 1970s the Cold War
Cold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
climate caused a dilemma for NCSL which included many US aerospace
Aerospace
Aerospace comprises the atmosphere of Earth and surrounding space. Typically the term is used to refer to the industry that researches, designs, manufactures, operates, and maintains vehicles moving through air and space...
and military
Military
A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
facilities amongst its membership. There was concern over complying with US State Department
United States Department of State
The United States Department of State , is the United States federal executive department responsible for international relations of the United States, equivalent to the foreign ministries of other countries...
regulations relating to technology transfer and discussion while allowing non-US entities to participate. NCSL considered national security a serious enough issue to warrant US-only membership. In 1974, however, the board of directors
Board of directors
A board of directors is a body of elected or appointed members who jointly oversee the activities of a company or organization. Other names include board of governors, board of managers, board of regents, board of trustees, and board of visitors...
decided the substantial advantages of an open international membership outweighed the security considerations and NCSL enrollment was opened to non-US organizations. In 1975, Graham Cameron from the Canadian Department of National Defence
Department of National Defence (Canada)
The Department of National Defence , frequently referred to by its acronym DND, is the department within the government of Canada with responsibility for all matters concerning the defence of Canada...
became the first non-US delegate to serve on the board. In 1976 the first International Region was established. By 1996 non-US organizations comprised roughly 15% of the total membership. In the year 2000, NCSL began the process of formally changing its name to NCSL International to better represent its membership.
Cooperative activities
From the beginning, the goal of NCSLI has been to bring together those engaged in metrology to solve common problems and set standards. To this end, the primary focal point of the organization's activities involves meeting together, gathering consensus and disseminating information, standards, and practices amongst all of its members.Annual conference
The inclusion of "Conference" in NCSLI demonstrates the importance the organization's founders placed on convening periodic conferences. The annual NCSL International Workshop and SymposiumSymposium
In ancient Greece, the symposium was a drinking party. Literary works that describe or take place at a symposium include two Socratic dialogues, Plato's Symposium and Xenophon's Symposium, as well as a number of Greek poems such as the elegies of Theognis of Megara...
is a four day event held in late July/early August in a variety of locations. Papers are presented by speakers during technical sessions occurring throughout the conference. A Best Paper Award is given to the highest scoring presentation in several categories associated with the theme for that year. The Dr. Allen V Astin Award is presented to the overall best paper. Speakers share a wide range of knowledge from topics including:
- Theoretical
- New or improved standards and capabilities
- Measurement uncertaintiesMeasurement uncertaintyIn metrology, measurement uncertainty is a non-negative parameter characterizing the dispersion of the values attributed to a measured quantity. The uncertainty has a probabilistic basis and reflects incomplete knowledge of the quantity. All measurements are subject to uncertainty and a measured...
(GUM, Bayesian) - IntrinsicIntrinsic and extrinsic propertiesAn intrinsic property is an essential or inherent property of a system or of a material itself or within. It is independent of how much of the material is present and is independent of the form the material, e.g., one large piece or a collection of smaller pieces...
standards - Advances in measurement disciplines
- TraceabilityTraceabilityTraceability refers to the completeness of the information about every step in a process chain.The formal definition: Traceability is the ability to chronologically interrelate uniquely identifiable entities in a way that is verifiable....
issues - Standards and calibrationCalibrationCalibration is a comparison between measurements – one of known magnitude or correctness made or set with one device and another measurement made in as similar a way as possible with a second device....
s at National Metrology Institutues (NMI's)
- Applied
- Laboratory automationAutomationAutomation is the use of control systems and information technologies to reduce the need for human work in the production of goods and services. In the scope of industrialization, automation is a step beyond mechanization...
- Calibration processes or procedures
- Improvements and new trends in instrumentation
- Interlaboratory comparisons
- Laboratory automation
- Management/Quality
- ISOInternational Organization for StandardizationThe International Organization for Standardization , widely known as ISO, is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations. Founded on February 23, 1947, the organization promulgates worldwide proprietary, industrial and commercial...
and ANSIAmerican National Standards InstituteThe American National Standards Institute is a private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States. The organization also coordinates U.S. standards with international...
Standards (ISO 900x, ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 17011, Z540-1, etc.) - Metrology management information systemManagement information systemA management information system provides information needed to manage organizations efficiently and effectively. Management information systems involve three primary resources: people, technology, and information. Management information systems are distinct from other information systems in that...
s - Laboratory accreditationAccreditationAccreditation is a process in which certification of competency, authority, or credibility is presented.Organizations that issue credentials or certify third parties against official standards are themselves formally accredited by accreditation bodies ; hence they are sometimes known as "accredited...
and quality processes - Metrology education and training
- National and regional meausurement systems
- ISO
An exhibit hall is open at the conference with over one hundred companies showcasing a variety of goods and services including calibration hardware and software, management tools, education and training organizations, calibration labs and accreditation services. Tutorials are offered two days before the start of the conference and one day following. Beyond technical information, the conference allows the opportunity to network with people who share common interests and numerous meetings are held by the board of directors and committees.http://www.ncsli.org/conference/2009/
Region/section meetings and committees
NCSL International is organized in regions and sections around the world and each region/section is guided and directed by a volunteer coordinator. Meetings are held periodically as a way for professionals in the local metrology community to assemble, network and learn from each other. A typical meeting involves a tour of the host facility, speakers and presentations, exhibitors and updates from the region/section coordinator. A total of seventy-four national and international sections/regions were active in 2006. http://www.ncsli.org/organization/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.dsp_positions&participation_Description=R3Committee participation enables members to confer with colleagues with common interests, similar challenges and solution strategies specific to their industry. Each committee is open to all members to volunteer, share ideas and work on projects. Some committees concentrate on the inner workings and business of NCSL International itself. This would include publication oversight, conference planning and site selection, by-laws and guidelines. Other committees were established for discipline-specific, special interest or industry groups. Under measurement science and technology, committees range in focus from automatic test and calibration systems to chemical and dimensional metrology
Dimensional metrology
Dimensional Metrology is the science of calibrating and using physical measurement equipment to quantify the physical size of or distance from any given object. Inspection is a critical step in product development and quality control...
; from deadweight pressure gauges
Pressure measurement
Many techniques have been developed for the measurement of pressure and vacuum. Instruments used to measure pressure are called pressure gauges or vacuum gauges....
to the triple point
Triple point
In thermodynamics, the triple point of a substance is the temperature and pressure at which the three phases of that substance coexist in thermodynamic equilibrium...
of argon. Industrial programs features committees for healthcare, airline, automotive, and small business metrology. Documentary standards encompass calibration systems, laboratory facilities, measurement decision risk, and accreditation resources. A total of sixty-two committees (in 2006), composed solely of volunteers, endeavor to advance the work of NCSL International. It is from the effort of these committees that all NCSL International published standards originate.http://www.ncsli.org/organization/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.dsp_positions&participation_Description=R2
Liaison activities
Through liaison representatives to international measurement science organizations, NCSL International serves as an organized forum for discussion and information on issues and practices relevant to calibration and metrology worldwide. The Bureau International des Poids et MesuresInternational Bureau of Weights and Measures
The International Bureau of Weights and Measures , is an international standards organisation, one of three such organisations established to maintain the International System of Units under the terms of the Metre Convention...
(BIPM) and NCSLI experience a cooperative relationship. Andrew Wallard, the Director of BIPM, is a member of the NCSLI board of directors. The BIPM website for World Metrology Day is sponsored by NCSLI. Other organizations NCSLI liaisons with include:
- Regional metrology organizations
- European Association of National Metrology Institutes (EURAMET)
- Sistema Interamericano de Metrologia (SIM)
- Asia Pacific Metrology Programme
- National metrology institutes
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-US
- Centro Nacional de Metrologìa (CENAM)-Mexico
- National Research Council of Cananda (NRC)-Canada
- Standards writing organizations
- American National Standards InstituteAmerican National Standards InstituteThe American National Standards Institute is a private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States. The organization also coordinates U.S. standards with international...
(ANSI) - ASTM InternationalASTM InternationalASTM International, known until 2001 as the American Society for Testing and Materials , is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services...
- Organisation Internationale de Métrologie LégaleInternational Organization of Legal MetrologyThe International Organization of Legal Metrology or Organisation Internationale de Métrologie Légale is an intergovernmental treaty organization. The OIML currently has 57 Member States and 58 Corresponding Members...
(OIML)
- American National Standards Institute
- Professional associations
- American Society for QualityAmerican Society for QualityAmerican Society for Quality , formerly known as American Society for Quality Control , is a knowledge-based global community of quality control experts, with nearly 85,000 members dedicated to the promotion and advancement of quality tools, principles, and practices in their workplaces and in...
or ASQ-Measurement Quality Division - International Society of Automation (ISA)
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics EngineersInstitute of Electrical and Electronics EngineersThe Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is a non-profit professional association headquartered in New York City that is dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence...
Instrumentation and Measurement (IEEE I&M)
- American Society for Quality
Education and outreach
"If you talk to almost any person involved in the metrology profession about new talent entering the field, you’ll probably get the same response: 'There are not enough young people entering the field to replace the many baby boomers getting ready to retire.'"
-Christopher L. Grachanen
A search of the US Department of Labor
United States Department of Labor
The United States Department of Labor is a Cabinet department of the United States government responsible for occupational safety, wage and hour standards, unemployment insurance benefits, re-employment services, and some economic statistics. Many U.S. states also have such departments. The...
Standard Occupational Classification System
Standard Occupational Classification System
The Standard Occupational Classification System is a United States government system of classifying occupations. It was developed in response to a growing need for a universal occupational classification system. Such a classification system would allow government agencies and private industry to...
(SOC) will result in few references to metrology. Although it does contain a listing for 'metrologist', this has been deemed grossly inadequate by those employed in the profession. The SOC is the basis for the Occupational Outlook Handbook
Occupational Outlook Handbook
The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a publication of the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics that includes information about the nature of work, working conditions, training and education, earnings, and job outlook for hundreds of different occupations. The Handbook is...
, a publication of the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics
Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a unit of the United States Department of Labor. It is the principal fact-finding agency for the U.S. government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. The BLS is a governmental statistical agency that collects, processes, analyzes, and...
, accepted as a reference for guidance counselors, job seekers and those planning a career path. In a joint effort between ASQ-MQD and NCSLI a survey was conducted to generate job titles with descriptions within the field of metrology. The titles proposed are, in general order of hierarchy: Calibration Technician, Calibration Engineer, and Metrologist. Application has been filed to include this data in the SOC update of 2010. The aim is to increase awareness amongst new talent that may be interested in joining the metrological profession.
To further the goal of encouraging interest in metrology as a career, NCSL International supports scholarships to institutions and individuals. The general scholarship program awards money to accredited schools
Educational accreditation
Educational accreditation is a type of quality assurance process under which services and operations of educational institutions or programs are evaluated by an external body to determine if applicable standards are met...
that offer metrology education. NCSLI is also an institutional sponsor, along with ASQ-MQD and the Measurement Science Conference, of the Joe D Simmons Memorial Scholarship given to individuals with a strong academic record and an interest in measurement science. NCSLI also supplies outreach materials such as measurement kits and posters for teachers and students.
To help in its outreach efforts NCSLI applied for and received inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign
Combined Federal Campaign
The Combined Federal Campaign is a program allowing certain charitable organizations to solicit contributions from employees of the federal government of the United States...
(CFC). This allows US federal government employees to pledge a portion of income, deducted directly from their paycheck, to NCSL International. Monies collected through this program are specifically designated to further the outreach and scholarship efforts of the learning and development objectives of NCSLI.
Workplace and professional development
Like many specialized occupations, metrology demands continued study to keep pace with new technology. The NCSL International business office located in Boulder, CO maintains a training facility and a multimediaMultimedia
Multimedia is media and content that uses a combination of different content forms. The term can be used as a noun or as an adjective describing a medium as having multiple content forms. The term is used in contrast to media which use only rudimentary computer display such as text-only, or...
training aids library covering both technical and managerial topics. The annual conference offers technical sessions covering up-to-date information as well as more detailed half or full day tutorials. Available more locally, region/section meetings feature speakers and Regional Training Events provide both classroom and hands on learning. Further, NCSLI supports management and human resource departments by clarifying job descriptions and career paths, providing information on appropriate certifications and qualifications and by awarding continuing education unit
Continuing education unit
A Continuing Education Unit is a measure used in continuing education programs, particularly those required in a licensed profession in order for the professional to maintain the license. Examples of people who need CEUs include interior designers/interior architects, lighting designers,...
s or CEU's for attending and completing many of the development opportunities offered.
Periodicals
NCSLI Measure, The Journal of Measurement Science (ISSNInternational Standard Serial Number
An International Standard Serial Number is a unique eight-digit number used to identify a print or electronic periodical publication. Periodicals published in both print and electronic form may have two ISSNs, a print ISSN and an electronic ISSN...
19315775) is a scientific and technical journal published quarterly by NSCL International. Measure is written primarily for metrology professionals in calibrations laboratories, such as lab managers, engineers and technicians. Issues are composed of peer-reviewed technical articles and up-to-date information on calibration techniques, uncertainty analysis, measurement standards, quality processes and laboratory accreditation.
NCSL International also publishes Metrologist, NCSLI Worldwide News (ISSN 19402988) to provide news and information about the organization and its members. Metrologist is a glossy quarterly containing reports and updates from committees, regions and the board of directors, and featuring member news and trade information. The first Newsletter was printed June 1, 1962 and contained six pages. The Newsletter increased in content and became the primary communication tool of NCSL until 2007 when it was discontinued. Metrologist was designed as a sophisticated maturation of the NCSL Newsletter.